CITY LIFE LIVELY LIFE - 10 PLACES TO VISIT TO WIND DOWN INSIDE THE CITY by Udit Sengupta

The old-colonial era buildings in the former British capital add a certain charm to the city that makes it an absolute treat to a beholder’s eyes. No wonder the busy city is praised by many as the intellectual, cultural, and artistic capital of the country! Take a walk in North Kolkata to witness the chaotic lifestyle of the present-day crowd function in perfect harmony against the backdrop of a bygone era.

After a period of hard work or a worrying situation there are some relaxing places which would truly change your mind. 

“Calcutta is beautiful. Wherever you place a camera, you get a vision”

1.     1.   Princep Ghat

Princep Ghat is a great place to spend a relaxing evening. Enjoy delicious street food and chai as you sit in front of the silent waters overlooking the Vidyasagar Setu. Boating services are also available at the Ghat and it makes for an excellent spot for romantic dates. It is perfect for photography enthusiasts and merits a visit before it gets too crowded.

2.       Kumartuli

Turn your graze towards the artistic lanes of Kumartuli, the most calm and relaxing place of Kolkata. The traditional potters’ quarter is where most of the globally admired Durga idols are sculpted with devotion and perfection for the famous Durga Puja. The skilled potters here depend on their ancestral art of clay idol making for their livelihood Over 150 families reside in the area and toil away diligently to complete all the idols for the festival. You can take a walk through the place and see how they make.

Picture Courtesy : Souparna Bashak

3.    South Park Street Cemetery

Fan of everything spooky and haunted, visit South Park Cemetery. One of the most haunted places in Kolkata, this place is equal parts beautiful and equal parts frightening. Established in 1767, the cemetery was founded by the British and is a remnant of their architectural style. Take a walk through the cemetery during the day and you will find plenty of spots that are worth admiring. 

Picture Courtesy : https://thirdeyetraveller.com/south-park-street-cemetery-haunted-kolkata/

4.    Belur Math

On the western bank of the Hooghly River, the historic Belur Math welcomes peace-seekers from all over the world, whether or not they are interested in or follow any religion. As Sri Ramakrishna’s resting place, a memorial lies within the Math and the swami’s belongings are displayed in his room for the visitors. The excellent architecture and spiritual ambience make Belur Math is a perfect place to get away from the everyday hustle and bustle and calm your mind.

Picture Courtesy : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belur_Math

5.     National Library

The National Library is where you will find a massive and stunning collection of books from all parts of India. The largest library in the country is the perfect place for book lovers and history buffs. With a collection of over 2.2 million books, it is a delight to just walk around in this library and feel the touch and smell of age-old books that are carefully preserved. The library is also popularly rumored to be home to haunted spirits that roam the corridors.

Picture Courtesy : https://www.thedecorjournalindia.com/architecture-mullicks-marble-extravagance-grandeur-of-19th-century/

6.      Marble Palace

  Located in North Kolkata, the Marble Palace Mansion was built in the year 1835. The place is well-known for its art collection of masterpieces by Reuben and paintings by various renowned international artists such as Reynolds, Van Gogh and Rembrandt. and also has a zoo that is filled with rare and exotic species of birds and animals. You can visit the property for its beautiful architecture and paintings.

Picture Courtesy : Google

7.      Jorasanko Thakurbari

 Do you have an affinity for poetry and Rabindranath Tagore? Then you must check this place out. This is the ancestral home of late Tagore and the house has three separate galleries filled with paintings, personal items of the Tagore family, including his books and manuscripts. The house is surrounded by a lush garden and is a peaceful spot in the middle of the city.

8.      Nandan

  It is a quite modern cinema complex managed by the State Government of West Bengal. It is a famous hangout spot for all ages. The Annual Bengali Film Festival takes place in the Nandan Complex. Cultural shows and movie premieres are also organized here. It has multiple screens for showcasing movies. Here one can buy prints of paintings by famous Bengali Painters and terracotta items.

 Picture Courtesy : https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nandan_-_Kolkata_2011-01-09_0156.JPG

9.     Mystery Rooms, Kolkata

  After a long monotonous week at work, if you want to charge your brain cells with real life mystery, then you should totally check out the mystery rooms of Kolkata. Where you can enjoy different real life escape room games with your friend and family. Here you use your logical mind to solves puzzles and mysteries and also it trials your team building spirit.

Picture Courtesy : https://cashkaro.com/blog/mystery-rooms-ticket-prices-timings-more/106089

10.      College Street

  If you want to shop for books in Kolkata, there is no better place than College Street. One of the top places to visit in Kolkata for youngsters. Everything from course books to second-hand novels can be found at College Street. When you step into the arena you enter a whole new world of book.

Picture Courtesy : https://kolkatatourism.travel/images/places-to-visit/headers/college-street-kolkata)

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